Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat can be a necessity when you have twins or kids of similar ages. If you're planning to purchase one, you must take into consideration your budget and the length of time you hope to use the stroller.
Kate liked that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the fact that it folds easily, though she found the buckles with magnetic buckles hard to fasten.
Size
Size is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that comes with car seats for your baby. Parents must be able maneuver the stroller easily in the midst of crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, which means that it should be small and compact. Additionally, the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit into the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle to store.
If you plan on having twins or children that are close in age, consider getting a double stroller with two seats that can be able to accommodate infant car seats. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers, but they have a longer stroller life and can be used until toddlerhood, or even after. For example our top pick is the UPPAbaby Vista Double has a wide range of seating options and can accept two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also love strollers that can be used with different infant car seats and offers more models for families to choose from. For example, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats that have adapters, and also is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Some parents choose to buy a single-to-double stroller that can adapt to a second child, but we suggest purchasing the items you require at the time. You might have another child arrive later than expected or your first child may not be in a position to walk. The seating arrangement in a double stroller with an infant car seat could affect the relationship between siblings particularly if they're close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single strollers. They come with two seats and more cargo, meaning the final pushing weight is greater. This is an important factor to consider when deciding on the best model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks or running. The best models are well-engineered to withstand the extra weight with the least amount of shifting or swinging.
You should also think about the long-term durability of a double-stroller. The top strollers are constructed better and come with more seating configuration options, so they will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy is a good example. It accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary child via a bassinet which connects. This setup is suitable for twins, kids of different ages or siblings that have an age gap.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a good alternative for parents on a budget because it can be transformed into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two car seats for infants. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver despite the added weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It's comparable to the more expensive award winners and supports multiple seating options for kids of various ages and stages. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customised with accessories like dual canopy, twin bassinets or modified seats that function as toddler seats. It is also easy to fold and has a compact footprint, making it easy to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not designed to be used until children can sit without assistance, so babies younger than that will require assistance or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the car to the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. You can easily click the seat into position and move the stroller without having to fold it with a baby and a toddler. This is particularly useful for long journeys when you may not need to unbuckle or buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins often choose a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, has this capability and comes with the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats and can be somewhat heavy for certain families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller with an integrated car seat adapter, which works with all major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it offers. It's not the most ideal double-stroller, as it only works with one. However, it's a good choice for many families.
Other double strollers have a more complex method of attaching and disconnecting the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double, for example, requires you to press down, and then hear a loud click to know it's properly secured. It can be a bit more difficult to use in parking areas, especially if you have hungry or exhausted children. While it grows with your family, we don't think it’s the best choice for parents with twins. You'll need purchase a separate toddler chair when your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat must be sturdy and built for durability. It must also be suitable for your lifestyle and budget, whether you plan to use it for just a few years or more. When purchasing a stroller be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, such as its tires.
Find a stroller that has a a wide and deep storage basket that can hold plenty of diapers, groceries, and other supplies. A large console for the parents and cup holders are also beneficial and so is a sun canopy that provides plenty of coverage. Make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a side-by-side stroller to allow equal access and visibility for both children. Other parents with children of different ages could opt for a tandem stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers weigh more than single strollers and can cause siblings to fight if they are equipped with seats of different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar can allow you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism is convenient. A compact footprint is another feature to consider. It should be able to fit in your trunk and will require only a little storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating units as well as cot attachments for twins, multiples, or a single rider of varying age groups. Its sturdy construction and seating configuration versatility make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is worth the price if you're planning to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A quality stroller must be safe for both children in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you choose strollers that have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to use breaks and an adjustable harness. She also suggests avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of the stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as additional child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to withstand a variety surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be sturdy enough to navigate curbs and bumps with ease, but flexible enough to scale steep steps or climb steep incline. It should also be simple to fold up and fit into the trunk of a car, without restricting its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age may want to consider a double stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to move sleeping children from the car to the stroller without them having to wake up. Many of our best-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista v2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another option. It includes two infant car seats and an extra rumble seat which can be turned into a second seat once your children outgrow the car seat. It comes with stadium seating that has plenty of leg room and can be set up to make your children are facing each other or the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets as well as an infant car seat, or a riding board simultaneously. It is a great choice for families with a lot of young children.